Grand Opening!

[sumarusfinest]

There's always a lot of paper litter in the Nexus Plaza. Pamphlets and flyers and signs explaining the hows and why's and what's of the Multiverse. People looking for others from their own world. People looking to barter for safe return to their own worlds.

There are a different sort of flyer around today though.

Bakery and Restaurant Grand Opening!

Come support your local Nexus denizens in their new business venture. Located along the main thoroughfare of the Plaza heading toward downtown. (Actual location may vary as Nexus fluctuations have been known to occur.) Housing a variety of Nexus-world pastries and foods made by Katsuya Suou and Head Chef Ice Bear. Have a request? We'll make it or die trying!

Please join us at our open house for free samples and help name this new addition to the Nexus Community!

The bakery itself is tucked along the main road with a large sign that says "Name Us Please!" hanging out front. The suite inside the brick building has a homey and comforting atmosphere painted in warm reds and oranges and lit by soft yellow lights hanging inside large industrial size mixer whisks. Two display cases frame the register while a large open door gives a clear view of the kitchen, specially modeled to allow a full sized polar bear to work his kitchen magic. A smaller work area is lined with windows allowing customers to watch the baked goods being prepared and decorated.

Free food? Familiar faces? A chance to make Katsuya say a naughty word out loud if someone immature suggests a name for the bakery? Surely there's only one question to ask here.

When are you going and what would you like to sample?

Comments

[off_the_air]

What would she like to sample? Secretly, everything. But Radio's here today on business, not pleasure. In fact, she's going to be here on business most days. She works here now, which is such an exciting and daunting notion at the same time. Starting her own a friend's business in a place she still knows so little about...

Well, the best way to get to know it is to get to know its people, isn't that right?

Today she's placed herself off to one side of the pastry display, mindful to stay out of the way of the goods while also being noticeable at the front. Her hands are folded in front of her and she's practicing a smile that shows no teeth. Be polite, be friendly, be there to greet the guests...

[sumarusfinest]

"I've got mini fruit tarts, individual chocolate mousse cups, and single serving slices of castella cake up for sampling." There are no fancy chef coats on this police officer, just a red apron he's wearing over his usual button up and slacks. Though he has gone casual and skipped the tie.

"Do you think that's enough for a start?" He wanders around to the front of the store after filling the display cases as best as he can. Katsuya's been here since dawn preparing, and he seems cautiously optimistic about the whole affair.

"This place looks great, by the way. You've outdone yourself, Radio."

[off_the_air]

Radio accepts Katsuya's compliments with a humble half-nod and a wry smile. "I love that you want to give me so much credit, but don't forget who's the mastermind behind it all." Her Katsuya, of course!

Then she reaches out as if to pat Katsuya on the back, but her hand merely hovers behind his shoulders. "I think the samples you've put out are fine, Officer. Or do I call you Chef now? Head Baker? What will it take to finally inflate your ego, Katsuya?"

[sumarusfinest]

"You? This would just be another shelved idea otherwise."

Katsuya gestures around them and this time his smile is brighter. More excited. This is actually happening. It's not some what if dream or plan for someday. They've actually put this together and it's happening.

"Just Katsuya is fine, but if this goes well, believe me I'll be quite pleased with myself." As well as Radio and Icebear, obviously.

[off_the_air]

Radio snags a nearby menu and fans herself with it after Katsuya goes so far as to inflate her ego twice in a row. "Keep talking like that and sooner or later I'm going to start believing you, Katsuya."

Then she swats at his chest with the paper. "Don't say 'if'! Say 'when'. There's nothing wrong with being confident, you know? It's going to go well because we're going to work to make sure it does. I'm not going to have my first business venture in the Nexus fall through. Your dreams, my reputation, and Ice Bear's salary are on the line here." She winks and smiles for Katsuya.

Then shifts her eyes toward the kitchen. Quietly but amusedly she whispers, "He's taking this very seriously, isn't he?"

[sumarusfinest]

"I really can't help but to be nervous, Radio."

Katsuya's voice is quiet but there's a hint of pink on his face in embarrassment. He fidgets slightly with his apron, smoothing out nonexistant wrinkles down it's front. He's not wearing his tie today or you'd best believe he'd be straightening it and adjusting it instead.

"I never thought....you know. That I'd be doing this. I'm grateful to have you and IceBear at my side though." He pauses to take a glance into the kitchen and smiles again. "I'm glad he's confident. Between you and he it does help ease my nerves."

[off_the_air]

Radio follows his glance with a smile, but she's quick to return the conversation to Katsuya and his dreams.

"Maybe some day you'll be spending all of your time here. Do you think you could ever do it? Stay here, in the Nexus, and work your dream job? Why is it that you haven't made the leap already?"

[sumarusfinest]

"No."

The answer is immediate, as is his shift in tone. He shakes his head to emphasize the point.

"I could never be here full time. I have...I have an obligation to my world. Not my police work. It's.." Katsuya struggles a moment, gaze flitting down and to the side as he remembers...well...everything. Meeting Maya at his brother's school, the JOKER murders, and then...

"My home will never be completely free from demons. And I posses an ability few have to combat them. I could never leave my home behind entirely. It would mean abandoning my duties."